A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Windsor for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ephesus or Windsor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Windsor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a world-renowned, fascinating, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Ephesus travel costs.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come to Windsor because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife. See Windsor travel costs.

Ephesus and Windsor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Windsor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ephesus than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ephesus is better known for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ephesus is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Also, Ephesus is famous for the Library of Celsus. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Ephesus different from Windsor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Windsor and Ephesus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ephesus or Windsor?

Ephesus is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Ephesus are among the most recognizable in the world. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

Many visitors head to Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Is the Food Better in Ephesus or Windsor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Ephesus and Windsor.

Ephesus has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Windsor area. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Ephesus or Windsor Better for Nightlife?

Windsor is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is Ephesus or Windsor Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Windsor. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Windsor?

Ephesus is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ephesus offers some nice shopping areas. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ephesus or Windsor More Beautiful?

Windsor is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Windsor because of it's amazing beauty. The highlight is Windsor Castle, but there are many beautiful parks and gardens around town as well.

Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ephesus or Windsor Better for Families?

Ephesus and Windsor are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Ephesus offers lots of family activities. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Windsor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Ephesus or Windsor Better for Couples?

Windsor is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Ephesus or Windsor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ephesus is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ephesus or Windsor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ephesus is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Ephesus can get you around easily. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Ephesus or Windsor a more walkable city?

Windsor is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ephesus Worth Visiting? and Is Windsor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Windsor or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Windsor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ephesus or Windsor to fill your time. In our opinion, Windsor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Windsor than Ephesus. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Windsor than Ephesus. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Windsor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Windsor than Ephesus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Windsor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ephesus than Windsor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ephesus.

One day in Ephesus or Windsor?

In Ephesus, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ephesus or Windsor?

In Ephesus, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ephesus has to offer.

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor has to offer.

Five days in Ephesus or Windsor?

Ephesus is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Windsor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ephesus or Windsor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ephesus. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ephesus. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Windsor, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor than you might in Ephesus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Windsor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Windsor?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Windsor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Windsor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Windsor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Windsor. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ephesus is much warmer than Windsor in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Windsor fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 195 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Windsor. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Windsor in the Autumn?

Both Windsor and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Windsor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Windsor averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Windsor. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ephesus or Windsor in the Winter?

Both Windsor and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Windsor. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Windsor fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 52 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Windsor. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Windsor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Windsor. Furthermore, many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Ephesus is much warmer than Windsor in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Windsor fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Windsor. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Windsor and Ephesus